December 2009

December 29, 2009

Our computer is still on the fritz , our kitchen hasn't been taped or textured yet, but part of our christmas time off is gathering for " the big finale "!
If you haven't been to Earthwise in Seattle, it is the place to go for architectural salvage. My buddy Kurt wasn't around which was probably a good thing or we wouldn't of acomplished getting our vintage flooring "or staying focused " as Mr. Souers " likes to nicely put it.
Can't wait to see how great it will look "outside" the trailer...

December 20, 2009

I have not fallen off of the face of the Earth.... My computer has. Not a bad thing this time of year, but it has been the one with my PhotoShop and all my pictures... So when my daughter hoards the laptop, I don't log on. Truly not a bad thing at all as I have been quite content with my 12 Days of Christmas "not logging on"...

My days have been full.... I can't add photos right now, but that is okay because my home is full of dust, but where there is a negative, there is a positive.... My kitchen is chugging along. After the "gutting" of the horror of "someone else's bad remodel job", Christmas came early to ordering new appliances. The bad? If there can be bad to a new fridge that doesnt leak on the floor or a dishwasher that will actually work, or a stove, "oh a stove that I can someday cook a hot home cooked meal in" will be in my kitchen".... The bad?

I am stalling their delivery...

I chuckled alot last week when the electrician stated " Have you ordered your cabinets yet" (No, I am doing vintage, just haven't found the right one yet for the sink and dishwasher to build them into it..) "What about the other places?" (No built in cabinets, using free standing vintage ones I have been collecting)

The look he gave me was priceless.

It got better.

"Are you doing "canned lighting or track lighting"? WHO says that? Did he not look around our 1914 house and count 8 other vintage chandeliers?

"Um, no.... Can you wire the center for a large Crystal Chandlier here, and 2 Petite Ones in the Hall way?"

I just smiled.

When I am feeling down because it will be the first Christmas with out My Great Auntie, I am reminded of what I can do for others.... I created Memory Collage Books for my family of these amazing photos that she had tucked away that I had found and wanted to share with them, plus she had wrote down the most amazing things in her "happiness calendars" for years, that I tucked within each of them.

I also never pass a Salvation Army Kettle without tossing in money. Working for a non profit agency helping those most in need, I know any and all that I add will support those who don't have a Christmas this year. We also sponsor families that "go without" ...love playing Santa for those who really wouldn't have a Christmas without a bit of help this time of year....

I love random acts of kindness....love going to Starbucks and paying for the drivers coffee behind me...

Usually we trek to Albuquerque (quite the drive from Yakima but so worth it!) but not heading there this year and just staying tucked in at home this year like Winter Squirrels for the holidays. I know I shouldn't say it, but wishing for some of that East Coast Snow as I love snow....

So the rest of my 12 Days of Christmas will be full and Joyful.... with my family enjoying the holiday and then working on new pieces of jewelry and revamping my website when my "real computer" is up and running again!

I wish you all a Wonderful Christmas and am so glad to have met many of my "blog friends".....

December 06, 2009

"I have been so blessed by how many friends I have that truly love me and support me. This has been a tough year for me with many life-altering changes, and I am so touched by how many friends rose to the occasion to stand by me and encourage me and my girls. I'll never forget how that made me feel!!! And, it has made me want to be a better friend in return."

December 05, 2009

I have loved reading the blogs about all the "Great Christmas Collections" out there....

I try to say " I don't collect much"...but we are junkers, many of us, so we can't help ourselves to "Collect".

After all...

If you have "More than 2 of Something".... It seems to become a Collection.

To me, it also become the "Thrill Of The Hunt"

It starts as Hitting an Estate Sale.... Looking for Treasures .

Or as many of you all do, Redesign, Redecorate Homes So Beautifully.

But we must keep "Some For Ourselves".

So "My Jolly Friend" is one I can't seem to pass up through out the Spring and Summer. He calls me out. "Take Me Home". "I Have Friends There". "I Know It".

He makes me smile. I think because of what he stands for this time of year.

Giving for the sake of Giving. Not expecting anything in return. Doing for others for the Joy of Doing. He's always Smiling. Doing what he does best. Passing along the Christmas Spirit.

So every year. Our Mantle overflows with My Jolly Friend. I am particular. He mostly gets brought home in the Fluffy, 1940's-1960's type, the little candy dispenser types... But if he's quite charming and vintage, I can't quite pass him up either.

There is one that "Didn't quite make the cut this year". He kept making it to the mantle out of "guilt" every year. He was a "new one". I think he was brought to the group as a "win at one of those gift exchanges one year"... guilt kept bringing him to the mantle. This year, he didn't make the cut. Felt guilty. But he will find a new home as he finally was donated to the St Vinny's this year.